NY S09934

Creates new Article 256 in the Penal Law establishing "domestic violence crimes" when a person intentionally commits or intends to commit specified offenses against family or household members.

Defines "specified offenses" to include 50+ criminal offenses including assault, sexual assault, stalking, strangulation, harassment, criminal mischief, kidnapping, and interference with service animals.

Defines "member of the same family or household" to include relatives by blood or marriage, current and former spouses, persons with a child in common, and unrelated persons living together regularly or continuously.

Allows courts to elevate penalties for domestic violence crimes: violent felonies remain as such, misdemeanors and Class C-E felonies may be elevated one category higher, and violations may be deemed unclassified misdemeanors.

Permits courts to require convicted defendants to complete an accountability program for persons who cause harm certified by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; takes effect 90 days after enactment.